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Hydraulic fracturing – also known as ‘fracking’ - is a process in which millions of gallons of water, sand and chemicals are pumped underground to break apart the rock and release gas.

Fracking was made legal in North Carolina earlier this year by an act of the General Assembly. However, it will take another vote of the legislature to authorize the issuing of permits and let drilling begin.

In states where fracking is happening, communities have experienced a number of troublesome environmental impacts, including water contamination and air pollution.

Fracking - aka hydraulic fracturing - is a controversial method of underground gas extraction. Water contamination and air pollution are among the greatest concerns about the process. But what does fracking mean for North Carolina?